Sports teams and clubs Books

Book SynopsisHoward Kendall: Notes on a Season provides a unique and rich insight into the legendary manager's historic season of 1984-85. Compiled from the matchday programme notes, Kendall takes us through a campaign that included a league double over Liverpool, an epic 5-0 v Manchester United and Cup Winners' Cup against Bayern Munich.

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Book SynopsisFrom hilarious to heart-breaking, The 101 Club tells the tale of an epic journey from the club's darkest nights to one of its greatest occasions and beyond. Almost 40 years on, the legacy of these local heroes lives on - had it not been for their exhilarating exploits, Town's Premier League dreams would be unfulfilled. Manager Mick Buxton's misfits and castoffs joined forces to capture the hearts of a generation of Town fans - including current club owner Dean Hoyle. Scoring a club-record 101 goals, the Fourth Division title was dramatically clinched in the final moments of the 1979-80 season with a never-to-be forgotten win over Hartlepool in front of a jam-packed Cowshed. The 101 Club is a warts-and-all story of how Buxton changed the entire culture of a place that was more holiday camp than football club and includes: * Exclusive interviews with Town legends and forgotten heroes * Special reflections from Huddersfield MP Barry Sheerman * Interviews with so-called `Wags' * Fans' perspectives * The view from behind-the-scenes * Never-seen-before photographs * Absorbing match reports * Essential facts and figures Not only does The 101 Club re-live the highs and lows of football through the eyes of Buxton and his players, it also provides a rare insight into the lives of lower-league footballers and loved ones before Sky Sports money revolutionised the sport. It is essential reading for anyone who cares about Huddersfield and Huddersfield Town.

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Book Synopsis*Middlesbrough Memories - Scores of candid interviews illuminate Boro's proud history * Boro legends - From Lindy Delapenha and Graeme Souness to Juninho and Gareth Southgate, heroes reflect on their Boro days. * Bossing the game - Illustrious managers speak out on life in dugout * Captain Marvels - Inspirational skippers on leading from the front * The Road to Glory - The inside story of Boro's Carling Cup success * Small Town in Europe - the unforgettable march to Uefa Cup final * Heroic failure - detailed account of heartbreaking 1996-97 season * Back from the brink - the battle for survival in the mid-80s * Life behind the scenes - as told by unsung heroes. * Young guns - A celebration of the Academy's astonishing success * A club in transition - From Ayresome Park to the Riverside * Match for anyone - the stories behind Boro's biggest ever games * Unseen photographs from players, club and local media archives * Political and social landscape - Teesside's former mayor Ray Mallon on wider context as club prospers in face of economic recession.

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Book SynopsisIn two years, Wales went from Home International wooden spoon holders four times running to 1976 European Football Championship quarter-finalists. The book provides the background to qualification, accounts of all matches, examination of the fallout from the campaign's controversial ending, and a 'Where are they now?' section. 30 images.Trade ReviewTrailing Clouds of Glory - Welsh football’s forgotten heroes of 1976 is an attempt to shine some light on a little-known slice of Welsh football history from the mid 1970s. It details the two-year period during which Wales went from ending up with the wooden spoon in the Home International tournament for four years in a row to being 1976 European quarter-finalists, within an ace of reaching the semi-finals of the continent's top international competition. Many remain oblivious to the feat of manager Mike Smith's squad, and with the passing of time their achievement becomes more distant and forgotten. For a country that has achieved so little on the field of play, why is this particular group not more celebrated? Nick Burnell attempts to put that right, having researched the topic meticulously in press archives and player and coach biographies, as well as personally interviewing many of the key figures on the team and coaching staff. The book includes background on the period before qualification started in 1974, a blow-by-blow account of all the matches involved (detailed by contemporary newspaper write-ups and the author’s own interviews with key figures in the campaign) and examination of the fallout from its controversial ending. It also incorporates a 'Where are they now?' angle, giving further details on the players involved. The book runs more or less chronologically, focusing primarily on the eight core qualifying games, but is also conceived as a respectful overview of the 1970s in Welsh football generally, and a somewhat irreverent look at what was happening around the sport. This is a glimpse back into a less complicated era, before the onset of 24-hour saturation coverage and millionaire journeymen players, when footballers looked to the future by doing their coaching badges or searching for local pubs that needed new landlords. It's a reminder of the players and people in and around the scene who restored pride in the Welsh football jersey and gave the football public of Wales a reason to believe. Squad members: Terry Yorath John Toshack Leighton James Leighton Phillips John ‘Josh’ Mahoney Arfon Griffiths Brian Flynn Alan Curtis Carl Harris Dave Roberts Dave Smallman Dai Davies Derek Showers Gary Sprake Gil Reece Joey Jones John Phillips John Roberts Les Cartwright Malcolm (Mal) Page Mike England Phil Roberts Rod Thomas -- Publisher: Y LolfaIn December 1958, my late uncle took me to my first game at the Vetch Field, Swansea. The opponents were Sheffield Wednesday, and the match was won 4-0 by the Swans. Six months earlier the Welsh football team, having qualified, albeit by default, because of a complicated situation regarding the participation of Israel, participated in the 1958 World Cup finals, played in Sweden. Wales eventually lost in the quarter finals to a goal by some unknown Brazilian, a 17-year-old youngster called Pelé. I, and most of the general public, I suspect, were unaware of this tournament, as indeed were the railway porters and ticket collectors at Swansea railway station who greeted Mel Charles and some of the other players on their return from Stockholm, thinking they were returning from a holiday! These were the days before the wall-to-wall coverage of football on SKY Sports. When Wales qualified for the 2016 UEFA Euro tournament, reaching its semi-final, the press and television largely reported that this was the first time Wales had qualified for any major tournament since 1958. They had been agonisingly close several times, only to fall at the final hurdle, missing crucial penalties or losing out on goal difference or in play-offs. However, in 1976 Wales enjoyed some real success when they topped their qualifying Euro group and earned a two-legged play-off with host nation Yugoslavia for a place in the finals, having seen off Austria, Hungary and Luxembourg, and winning five qualifying matches in succession. The team, managed by Englishman Mike Smith has not, according to the author of this book, received the recognition it deserves, and the purpose of this book is to acknowledge the considerable achievement of this talented squad, who finally bowed out of the tournament after a niggly second-leg draw at Cardiff, having lost the first leg in Zagreb. At Cardiff, Wales missed a penalty, hit the post, and had two goals disallowed, and succumbed to a dubious penalty kick awarded by a somewhat controversial East German referee. Had VAR (the video assistant referee) been in operation at that time, the result might well have been very different. This book is meticulously researched and is very well-written. It takes us back to an era when the Football Association of Wales was not the efficient organisation it is today. This was also the era when League managers held more sway, and would constantly refuse to release players to play for their country. The introduction of the ‘international break’ has largely ended that practice. This was the period when the English FA refused to play our national anthem at Wembley, when hooliganism was rife, when our playing stadia were grim and attendances low, and when rugby reigned supreme in Wales. However, the contribution made by Mike Smith in laying the foundations of the current international set-up cannot be underestimated and was described by Dai Davies, the Welsh goalkeeper, as ‘revolutionary’. Under the guidance of this graduate PE teacher, the Welsh team that performed so well in 1974–76 in reaching the latter stages of a major tournament included a number of players who remain household names – players such as John Toshack, Terry Yorath, John Mahoney and the mercurial Leighton James. The achievement was even more remarkable when considered that England failed to qualify. As an innovator and excellent man-manager, Smith moulded his motley squad into a formidable team, which included for the first time a number of so-called Anglos, who had been drafted in because of a rule change allowing English-born players with a Welsh parent to be eligible to represent Wales. This gave the squad greater depth with the addition of personnel such as Ian Evans and Dave Roberts. The narrative also gives us a flavour of other events during this period so as to place all matches in their historical context. This aspect deals with such issues as broadcasting, fashion, politics and pop music, which adds an interesting and valuable dimension to the book. With Wales having qualified for the 2020 Euro tournament as runners-up in a group which included familiar opponents from 1976 such as Croatia (from the former Yugoslavia) and Hungary, there is a little feeling of déjà vu. This was no mean achievement which surely owes much to the foundations so carefully laid by Mike Smith. He and the 1976 team are all deserving of this volume which all Welsh football fans will enjoy, whilst looking forward to the exciting challenge of our next Euro finals in June 2020. -- Richard E. Huws @ www.gwales.comTable of ContentsForeword Author acknowledgements Introduction 1 Bowen nowhere 2 As straightforward and uncomplicated as his own name 3 The quiet revolution 4 Belt up, you baby! 5 See Budapest and Dai 6 Passport to success? 7 The team to beat 8 A day at the Racecourse 9 100 years and coasting 10 40-Second Street 11 Arsenal line up Smith 12 Ninian opinion 13 One team qualified and one team didn’t Notes Bibliography

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Book SynopsisAberdeen have competed on the European stage since season 1967/68 and have enjoyed some epic encounters along the way, culminating in the club’s greatest ever victory – beating Real Madrid 2–1 in the 1983 Cup Winner's Cup final. Ally Begg charts a path through Aberdeen's storied history in Europe, vividly brining to life the most interesting, exciting, and unforgettable games by interviewing players from Aberdeen and their rivals and augmenting them with his own richly rendered memories. Aberdeen European Nights takes the reader on a nostalgic romp around the continent, crossing beyond the Iron Curtain and building a fortress at home at Pittodrie. Humorous, quirky and insightful, it is the perfect book for Aberdeen fans, young and old.

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Book SynopsisFrom is genesis as Newton Heath LYR Football Club founded in 1878 all the way to the global sporting and commercial superpower that it is today, this is the history of Manchester United Football Club as you have never seen it before. Lifelong Red Devils’ fan Neville Moir has distilled this extraordinary history into an amusing, fascinating and easy to read anthology. This entertaining volume is an instructive, if sometimes irreverent – but always affectionate – guide to some of the groundbreaking firsts, controversies, innovations, characters, achievements and disasters that have shaped one the greatest sporting institutions on the planet. Whether an expert or a novice, this compendium is perfect for all Man United fans, young and old, around the world.

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Book SynopsisThere are two kinds of people in this world. Those who insist that football is just a game, and those who know better. Take the April 1967 clash between England and Scotland. Wounded by their biggest rivals winning the World Cup just nine months earlier, Bobby Brown's Scots travelled to Wembley on the mother of all missions. Win and they would take a huge step towards qualifying for the 1968 European Championship, end England’s formidable 19-game unbeaten streak, and, best of all, put Sir Alf Ramsey’s men firmly back in their box. Lose? Well, that was just unthinkable. Meanwhile, off the pitch, the winds of change were billowing through Scotland. Nationalism, long confined to the margins of British politics, was starting to penetrate the mainstream, gaining both traction and influence. Was England’s World Cup victory a defining moment in the Scottish independence movement? Or did it consign Scotland to successive generations of myopic underachievement? Michael McEwan, author of The Ghosts of Cathkin Park, returns to 1967 to explore a crucial ninety minutes in the rebirth of a nation. Trade Review'Written with the quality and flair Wembley '67 deserves. Brilliantly captures Scotland's magical day' -- Michael Grant * The Times *'A meticulously researched, crisply-written work of elegant storytelling' -- Daniel Gray * Nutmeg *'Wonderful sports writing. A glorious retelling of an imperious age, when Scotland ruled the world, kind of' -- Tom English * BBC Sport *'The definitive account of when we were kings, told with a swagger and style that befits those Wembley heroes' -- Hugh MacDonald'Superbly and entertainingly researched - and so much more than just an account of a famous Scottish victory' -- Dougie Donnelly

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Book SynopsisShortlisted for the2023SportsBookAwardsfor Best Sports Writing of the YearShortlisted for theUSGA Herbert Warren Wind Book AwardThe Long Golden Afternoontells the story of the transformative generation of golf that followed the rise of Young Tom Morris - an era of sweeping change that saw Scotland''s national pastime become one of the rare games played around the world.It begins with the first epochal performance after Tommy - John Ball''s victory at Prestwick in 1890 as the first Englishman and the first amateur to win the Open Championship - and continues through the outbreak of the Great War. If Tommy ignited the flame of golf in England, Ball''s breakthrough turned that smoldering fire into a conflagration.The generation that followed would witness the game''s coming of age. It would see an explosion in golf''s popularity, the invention of revolutionary new balls and clubs, the emergence of professional tours, the organization of the game and its rules, a renaissance in writing and

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Book SynopsisLifelong Brentford FC fan Jonathan Burchill draws from contemporaneous resources to present a unique history of Brentford through season-by-season reviews of the events at Griffin Park.

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Book SynopsisThe ultimate World Cup showdown, in the words of those who were there. From 1997 to 2003 England and Australia battled for domination of the rugby world in one of the greatest rivalries the sport has ever known. In The Men in the Arena, William Hill shortlisted authors Peter Burns and Tom English explore every aspect of the teams’ journey to the 2003 Rugby World Cup final, telling the story primarily in the words of the protagonists at the centre of the battle. Featuring exclusive new interviews with players and coaches from both teams plus an array of superstars who faced them from New Zealand, Ireland, France, Wales and beyond, this is the inside story like it has never been told before. 'A splendid re-telling of English rugby's most celebrated story. Cracking stuff from start to finish' - Robert Kiston, The GuardianTrade Review'Highly recommended, a deep dive into one of the best-known rivalries between two rugby nations when both were at the peak of their powers. Great stuff. A fantastic, exciting read' -- Rob Robertson * Daily Mail *'A splendid re-telling of English rugby’s most celebrated story. Cracking stuff from start to finish' -- Robert Kitson * The Guardian *'Sensational. For those who screamed and celebrated in 2003, this book is as good as it gets' -- Alex Payne * The Good, the Bad and the Rugby *'A brilliant book' -- Chris Jones * BBC Sport *'Another absolute classic' -- Paul Williams

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Book SynopsisFULLY REVISED AND UPDATED 'The finest Fergie book of them all' – Tom English, BBC Sport When Sir Alex Ferguson retired at the end of the 2013 season he was the most successful football manager Britain had ever seen, having won twice as many trophies as his nearest rival. But that success had not come easily. Thirty-five years previously he had arrived at the rain-swept training ground at Aberdeen F.C. as the recently sacked manager of St Mirren. Already a divisive figure, this Alex Ferguson came with a reputation for trouble and a lot still to prove. Not for nothing, many thought he was a risky choice. Fergie Rises returns to a time when Ferguson was lucky to get Aberdeen, not the other way around. It's the story of an eight-year revolution that saw the Dons and their ambitious young manager knock the Old Firm off their perch, taste victory in Europe for the first time, and electrify Scottish football. When Ferguson finally left the club for Manchester United, in 1986, fans and rivals were unanimous in believing he had engineered one of the most astonishing upheavals in the game’s history. The author also examines the personal tragedies Ferguson overcame – the deaths of his father and his mentor Jock Stein – and the rivalries, setbacks and triumphs that shaped a sporting genius. 'A masterful retelling of how Ferguson was "made" at Aberdeen' – Alan Pattullo, The ScotsmanTrade Review‘It might be a familiar story – of course it is – but this book brings it alive with fresh interviews, rich in detail and anecdote. It is a brilliant read. A must for all Dandies' -- Graham Spiers * The Times *'The finest Fergie book of them all. It takes you to the heart of the magnificent absurdity of Aberdeen being kings of Europe' -- Tom English * BBC Sport *'The glut of books on Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United Revolution is exactly why this one is so interesting. A neat idea by an author whose account is superbly written' * The Scotsman 'Best Scottish sports reads' *'This is a book that takes the evidence from a series of witnesses to burgeoning genius. The testimonies are stunning, insightful, sometimes bitter, mostly awed and regularly funny' * The Herald *'Having interviewed many of those under Fergie’s Pittodrie stewardship, he brings much fresh insight into a period covered too briefly in his autobiography' * FourFourTwo *'The most fascinating part of Alex Ferguson’s career is his eight years taking Aberdeen from no-hopers to beating Real Madrid in a European Final. All the greatest stories have a beginning and this is it' * Shortlist *'An excellent new tome' -- Stephen McGowan * Scottish Daily Mail *'A masterful re-telling of how Ferguson was "made" at Aberdeen' -- Alan Pattullo * The Scotsman *'It is Grant's own passion that permeates and defines Fergie Rises and makes it the book that all of us would have loved to have written' -- David Innes * Aberdeen Voice *'Grant has painted a vivid tableau of a bygone age on a giant-sized canvas' -- Neil Drysdale * STV Aberdeen *'Such a fantastic book. A great story in itself as well as brilliant insight into Sir Alex and his then still evolving management style. Highly recommended' * Sports Book Reviews *

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Book Synopsis'A modern classic . . . Absolutely riveting and frequently moving' – The Telegraph 'Among the best books ever written on Irish sport' – Sunday Tribune 'Brilliant . . . Stand Up and Fight is the definitive account. It captures the essence of what makes Munster rugby and its provincial team so unique' – Tony Ward, Irish Independent 'A terrific combination of intelligent reportage and open-eyed mythmaking' – Sunday Times 'A seminal account' – New Zealand Herald 'Irresistible' – Guardian 31/10/1978, Thomond Park. On one of the greatest days in rugby history, Munster beat the All Blacks. More than 100,000 people claimed to have watched the game, even though the ground could only hold 12,000. Now, fully updated for the 45th anniversary of the match, Alan English tells the true story.

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Book SynopsisGet the beautiful book that presents the history of the Cincinnati Bengals football team, with full-color photography and fascinating text.The Cincinnati Bengals are a proud and storied franchise. Some of the NFL’s all-time best players—and all-time great teams—have donned the orange and black. Each season is precious to the fans, whether we won two games or twelve, because it reminds us of special memories: trips to the stadium with parents and children, watching on TV with neighbors and friends, shared camaraderie with strangers, and more.Team reporter, podcaster, debut author, and lifelong Bengals fan James Rapien presents the perfect keepsake for Bengals sports fans. Enter the Jungle collects the team’s rich history and pairs it with professional, full-color photography to create a stunning book for any coffee table or bookshelf. It presents a season-by-season summary, which includes the team’s schedule, starting lineups, and statistical leaders. James also takes a closer look at the best players and greatest wins. The book is rounded out with the author’s picks for every all-decade team. With a foreword by Dan Hoard, voice of the Bengals, Enter the Jungle truly has it all for anyone who loves Cincinnati’s favorite team!Book Features Fascinating summary of every Bengals football season Schedules, starting lineups, and statistical leaders The author’s picks for every all-decade team Full-color photography from throughout the team’s history Score a copy of Enter the Jungle for yourself, and you can give it as a winning gift too.Table of ContentsFootball Abbreviations Foreword A Bit of NFL History Author’s Notes Introduction 1968 1969 1970 Paul Brown 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 Ken Anderson 1977 1978 1979 All-1970s Team 1980 1981 Super Season 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 A Game for the Ages 1989 All-1980s Team 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 Hall-of-Famers 1998 1999 All-1990s Team 2000 Dillon Runs Wild 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 Playoffs, at Last 2006 2007 2008 2009 All-2000s Team 2010 2011 Best Catches 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Marvin Lewis 2018 2019 All-2010s Team 2020 2021 AFC Champions 2022 Photo Credits Sources About the Author

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Book SynopsisThe untold story of Real Madrid: one of the most incredible turnarounds in sports and business history. Real Madrid is the most successful sports team on the planet. The soccer club has more trophies than any other sports team, including 11 UEFA Champions League trophies. However, the story behind the triumph goes beyond the players and coaches. Generally unnoticed, a management team consisting mostly of outsiders took the team from near bankruptcy to the most valuable sports organization in the world. How did Real Madrid achieve such extraordinary success? Columbia Business School adjunct professor Steven G. Mandis investigates. Given unprecedented behind-the-scenes access, Mandis is the first researcher to rigorously ana- lyze both the on-the-field and business aspects of a sports team. What he learns is completely unexpected and challenges the conventional wisdom that moneyball-fueled data analytics are the primary instruments of success. Instead, Real Madrid's winning formula both on and off the field, from player selection to financial management, is based on aligning strategy with the culture and values of its fan base. Chasing the most talented (and most expensive) players can be a recipe for a winning record, but also financial disaster, as it was for Real Madrid in the late 1990s. Real Madrid's management believes that the club exists to serve the Real Madrid community. They discovered that its fans care more about why the team exists, how their club wins, and whom it wins with versus just winning. The why, how, and whom create a community brand and identity, and inspire extraordinary passion and loyalty, which has led to amazing marketing and commercial success--in turn, attracting and paying for the best players in the world, with the values the fans expect. The club's values and culture also provide a powerful environment for these best players to work together to win trophies. The Real Madrid Way explains how Real Madrid has created and maintains a culture that drives both financial and on-the-field success. This book is an engrossing account of the lifetime of one of the greatest clubs in the most popular sport in the world, and for business and organization leaders, it's an invaluable inside look at a compelling alternative model with lasting competitive advantages that can deliver superior and sustainable returns and performance.Trade Review"This book will be one of the most influential books on sports ever written. It doesn't matter if you are a soccer or Real Madrid fan, you will look at sports and business in a different way after reading this book." --Billy Beane, executive vice president of baseball operations and minority owner of the Oakland Athletics "The fact that Steven Mandis was given complete access into the inner sanctum of the richest football [soccer] club in the world testifies to the trust Real Madrid placed on Steven's head, which is quite amazing. This is the definitive, comprehensive survey on the essential workings of this famous club. It is an eye-opening account, clinical and done with a sensitive touch." --Sir Alex Ferguson, manager of Manchester United 1986-2013 "With unprecedented behind-the-scenes access, this book is the most complete study of any sports team ever done, analyzing both on the field and off the field performance-- which leads to fascinating conclusions." --David Stern, NBA commissioner emeritus "The book magisterially penetrates through all the mystique of Real Madrid, football [soccer] and sports. This is the ultimate look behind the regal velvet ropes and steel curtains both in the boardroom and locker room at the most successful and valuable team in sports, Real Madrid." --Ray Hudson, soccer commentator for beIN Sport, retired English professional soccer player, and former MLS coach "This book expands on and challenges aspects of Soccernomics and The Numbers Game because of Mandis's access and organizational considerations and reexamines and questions facets and applications of Moneyball." --Francisco Perez Cutino, whose graduate research at Cambridge University is referenced in Soccernomics "This is much more than a book about a soccer team. If you love the NFL, MLB, or NBA, this book is a must-read because it will change the way you view your favorite team." --Geoff Pope, cornerback for 2008 New York Giants, XLII Super Bowl Champions "No Real Madrid book, or sports book for that matter, has ever been written like it. Mandis's unique background in business and academics and outsider's perspective produces an essential book for any Madridista's library collection." --Gabe Lezra, founder and editor-in-chief emeritus of ManagingMadrid.com "The Real Madrid Way delivers ground-breaking insights about the success formula for a legendary sports franchise. An in-depth exploration of organization culture provides a great balance to the role of sports analytics and makes this a must-read leadership book for anyone interested in sports management." --Vince Gennaro, director of the Masters of Science in Sports Management program at Columbia University, author of Diamond Dollars: The Economics of Winning in Baseball, and president of the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) "Mandis explains the incredible power of community brands--where a global community feels so deeply passionate about the brand that the brand is synonymous with one's identity, values and much more." --Andrew Messick, CEO of IRONMAN "The Real Madrid Way explains how Real Madrid has created and maintained a culture that drives both financial and on-the-field success. An educational and inspiring example for sports fans and executives alike." --Lindsay McGregor and Neel Doshi, cofounders of Vega Factor and New York Times bestselling coauthors of Primed to Perform: How to Build the Highest Performing Cultures Through the Science of Total Motivation "Mandis has created a gripping narrative exploring how Real Madrid has done the seemingly impossible: used a strong culture and shared values to overcome the problem of the too-much-talent effect. The book is a must for anyone interested in culture, leadership, and high performance." --Adam Galinsky, chair and Vikram S. Pandit Professor of Business at Columbia Business School and coauthor of Friend & Foe

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Book SynopsisThe rich archive history of Batley Cricket, Athletic and Football Club - from its birth in 1880 through joining the breakaway Northern Union, which subsequently became rugby league, to the current Bulldogs. All of which makes the 'Gallant Youths' one of the oldest clubs in the world, playing on a ground that is among sport's most historic venues.

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Book SynopsisInThe Franchise: Atlanta Braves, take a more profound and unique journey into the history of an iconic team. This thoughtful and engaging collection of essays captures the astute fans? history of the franchise, going beyond well-worn narratives of yesteryear to uncover the less-discussed moments, decisions, people, and settings that fostered the Braves'' one-of-a-kind identity. Through wheeling and dealing, mythmaking and community building, explore where the organization has been, how it got to prominence in the modern major league landscape, and how it?ll continue to evolve and stay in contention for generations to come.Braves fans in the know will enjoy this personal, local, in-depth look at baseball history.

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Book SynopsisThe definitive illustrated guide to FIFA Women's World Cup Australia/New Zealand 2023 that no football fan should be without.The most high-profile event on the women's football calendar, the FIFA Women's World Cup will take place between 20 July and 20 August 2023, at venues across Australia and New Zealand, with 32 teams competing for the most prestigious international prize in world football.Suitable for fans of all ages, contents include:• Team-by-team profiles • Star players to watch • A guide to every venue • Fill-in tournament progress chart • FIFA Women's World Cup records and stats • Qualification round-upAnd much, much more besides.Table of ContentsIntroduction • Welcome to Australia & New Zealand • The Stadiums • The Road to Australia & New Zealand • The Final Draw • Meet the Teams • FIFA Women's World Cup Superstars • FIFA Women's World Cup Records • Fill-in Tournament Schedule.

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Book SynopsisEvertonians know what it is to experience greatness. Since the club first came to life in 1878 there have been titles won, European adventures and trips to Wembley. The fans have seen records broken, legends make their mark, matches of undeniable class. Every decade that Everton have been in existence has yielded moments of wonder, games that supporters at the time have cherished for their entire lives and which fans of subsequent generations have looked back on with undeniable pride. From the earliest days, when St Domingo's first morphed into something recognisable as a modern football club, the whole span of Everton's narrative is covered here. Those earliest title wins, those earliest finals, Dean, Lawton, Hickson, the Holy Trinity, Latchford, the glory of Kendall, the agony of Wimbledon, the joy of Royle and restoration under Moyes. Everton Greatest Games is more than just a selection of the moments that have stirred the soul of Blues. It is the story of Everton, the tale of how a church team grew into an English giant.

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Book SynopsisGot, Not Got: The Lost World of Leicester City is an Aladdin's cave of memories and memorabilia, guaranteed to whisk you back to Filbert Street's fondly remembered 'Golden Age' of mud and magic - as well as a City-mad childhood of miniature tabletop games and imaginary, comic-fuelled worlds. The book recalls a more innocent era of football, lingering longingly over relics from the good old days - Foxes stickers and petrol freebies, league ladders, big-match programmes and much more - revisiting lost football culture, treasures and pleasures that are 100 per cent Leicester City. If you were a Junior Fox, one of the army of obsessive soccer kids at any time from Gordon Banks lifting the World Cup to the early days of the Premier League, then this is the book to recall the mavericks - Worthington, Weller and Walsh, Lineker, McAllister and Shilton - and the marvels of the Lost World of Football.

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Book SynopsisBirmingham City On This Day revisits the most magical and memorable moments from the club's distinguished history, mixing in a maelstrom of anecdotes and characters to produce an irresistibly dippable Blues diary - with an entry for every day of the year. From its beginnings as Small Heath Alliance in 1875 right through to the modern era and golden goals at Wembley, here are all the rollercoaster highs and lows. The club won the first ever Second Division title in 1893; Blues were the first English team to compete in European competition and the first to reach a European final. Birmingham City have twice won the League Cup and twice reached the FA Cup final. Relive the day in 1963 when Blues beat Villa to win a first major trophy, remember when Darren Carter's penalty clinched promotion in Cardiff, and when Obafemi Martins shocked Arsenal to recapture the League Cup. Recall the exploits of legends such as Joe Bradford, Gil Merrick and Bob Latchford, Trevor Francis, Michael Johnson and Christophe Dugarry.

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Book SynopsisWhen the final whistle was blown at Upton Park on 10 May 2016, it was more than a football match that had ended. West Ham United's victory over Manchester United was the club's spectacular swansong after 112 years at its spiritual home. The Boleyn's Farewell: West Ham's Final Game at Upton Park delves into one of the club's most historic nights, with insight from players, fans and others who were there. Everything from the atmosphere before the game, Winston Reid's winner and the digitised Bobby Moore switching off the stadium lights, the build-up and aftermath of the game, as well as the on-pitch action are recounted and celebrated within these pages. This was an evening that would come to define a generation and is unforgettable for many West Ham supporters. While the Boleyn Ground no longer stands, memories of the stadium and the Hammers' glorious farewell performance will endure. The Boleyn's Farewell is the definitive account of one of the most significant matches in West Ham's long history.

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Book SynopsisScheisse! recounts the extraordinary story of Union Berlin, the German Bundesliga's most spirited football club, interwoven with a witty history of contemporary Berlin.Trade Review'Fascinating' Daily Mail'A wonderful journey into the heart of a very unique club' Raphael Honigstein'The history and culture of a special football club deserve a special kind of chronicling – and Holden has executed it to perfection' Patrick Barclay'An engrossing portrait' Philip Oltermann'For the first time, Scheisse is a good thing! A captivating read on one of the most unique clubs in world football' Archie Rhind-Tutt'A beautifully crafted set of stories that reveal a personal history of one of Germany’s most special clubs and cities' Jonathan Harding'Holden superbly captures the myth, history and spirit that make Union so very special and beloved' Andreas Michaelis'A fascinating tale that is expertly told' Adam Bate'A must-read for any football romantic, regardless of where you're from and what team you support' Cristian Nyari

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Book Synopsis‘Isn’t it lovely to have moments in your life where you think, oh, nothing can beat that. Nothing.’ George GrahamAnfield, May 26th 1989. The final day of the Division One season. An iconic underdog story.Set against the backdrop of Hillsborough disaster, and during an emotional era in football long before the Premier League as we now know it, 89 is an oral history of a sporting moment so unusual it felt instantly historic. Drawing on years of research, writer Amy Lawrence brings together fascinating and never-before seen testimony from the voices who were there, on the pitch, off it, and beyond. 89 creates a definitive and kaleidoscopic portrait of a match that changed English football forever. ‘Once it hits the net I’m just thinking ecstasy really. It’s incredible. I’ve done what I wanted to do. That’s that feeling. I’ve done it.’ Michael ThomasTrade ReviewFascinating for any sports fan and truly a gold mine for Arsenal supporters -- Alan Davies, for 'Invincible'This book is so full of exclusive interviews you'll soon feel like part of the squad. A worthy tribute to one of English football's best ever teams * Shortlist, for 'Invincible' *Unbeatable insight. The inside story of one of English football's greatest teams -- Henry Winter, for 'Invincible' * Daily Telegraph *I picked it up and couldn't put it down. Brilliantly depicts a piece of football history -- David Dein, Arsenal Vice-Chairman (1983-2007), for 'Invincible'

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Book SynopsisWhen Football Was Football: Leicester City celebrates the unique history of Leicester City with the help of photos from the Mirrorpix archive. A unique and fascinating story spanning from 1884 to the modern day, and a must for all Leicester City fans!

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Book Synopsis"This book is a guide for life written by two people that I respect and revere. Together, Kate and Helen are the ultimate team. Now they are sharing the lessons they have learned for the benefit of all of us." From the foreword by CLARE BALDINGTHE INSIDE STORY OF WHAT IT TAKES TO BUILD HIGH PERFORMING TEAMSIn Winning Together, Helen and Kate Richardson-Walsh, share powerful lessons from the Great Britain women's hockey team journey to gold in Rio 2016. They show how to create a winning culture in any environment, in any industry, so that you and your teammates can thrive.Drawing on their vast experience both in and out of sport, double Olympic medalists Helen and Kate, tell the incredible, behind-the-scenes story of how a team from the lower rankings forced its way to the top. They bring you into their team huddle to reflect and work through exercises to help improve your performance. Using their individual and collective stories they demonstrate that successful teams are made up of people who are valued as human beings and supported to individually flourish.Covering connection, care, awareness, empowerment, alignment, the power of difference and much more, Winning Together gives you the tools to be the very best version of yourself, and to build better teams."Powerful ... Essential reading for anyone that's part of a team." MATTHEW SYED, bestselling author of REBEL IDEAS and YOU ARE AWESOMETrade Review"This book is a guide for life written by two people that I respect and revere. Together, Kate and Helen are the ultimate team - supporting each other with honesty, thoughtfulness, consideration and clarity. Now they are sharing the lessons they have learned for the benefit of all of us. I am so glad they have written this book and I am proud to know them." -- Clare Balding"Powerful ... Essential reading for anyone that's part of a team." -- Matthew Syed, bestselling author of REBEL IDEAS and YOU ARE AWESOME"Many have tried to write books about winning that parallel the sporting experience and lessons learned. However, Kate and Helen's book manages to translate some of the more intangible precursors for success and describe them in a way that would be useful to another athlete or someone starting their first job in the business world. This book is human, warm and a welcome addition to the bookshelf of any person looking to learn from their remarkable example." -- John Amaechi, Psychologist"This is the inside scoop, the real-deal on how to build winning cultures that keep people at the heart of things. The articulate details and storytelling from athletes and leaders who have walked the path is a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary performance leadership." -- Dr. Pippa Grange, Psychologist & Culture-Coach"Finally! A book that takes a different perspective on success and leadership. Kate and Helen's incredible story shows how there is a new emerging model of how to build a successful and authentic team environment - whether at work, on the sports pitch or at home. How honesty, vulnerability, conflict and ambition can co-exist to produce extraordinary results for the team and the individuals. And even maybe change the world a little bit for the better." -- Michele (Mitch) Oliver, Global VP Brand & Purpose, Mars Incorporated, and Vice Chair Stonewall"Kate and Helen's story is hugely inspirational, told with such refreshing honesty and humility - a must read for anyone seeking to build a world class team and ultimately achieve outstanding results." -- Clare Gilmartin, Former CEO Trainline and VP eBay Europe

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisPaul Lunney has been a devoted follower of Scottish football creating a vast archive of images and anecdotes. In this book he weaves a wonderful tapestry of imagery of players who have done so much for the club in its 124-year history. Celtic have won the Scottish League Championship on 43 occasions, most recently in the 2011-12 season, the Scottish Cup 35 times and the Scottish League Cup 14 times. In 1967 Celtic won an unprecedented quintuple: not only becoming the first British team to win the European Cup but also winning the Scottish League Championship, the Scottish Cup, the Scottish League Cup, and the Glasgow Cup. Celtic also reached the 1970 European Cup Final, and the 2003 UEFA Cup Final. This book encapsulates some of the glory by featuring star players down the ages.

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Book SynopsisIn June 2018 Leeds United made an appointment that shocked the footballing world. Despite being stuck in the second tier of English football and tagged the Championship's perennial chokers, they attracted one of the most revered coaches in world football. What followed captivated the hearts and minds of Leeds United's legion of passionate supporters worldwide. Marcelo Bielsa has crafted a team in his image, a team that plays in an almost bewildering attacking style with fluidity across the pitch. Leeds have become synonymous with exciting, attacking, vertical football and this style has seen them promoted back to the Premier League. Professional football analyst Lee Scott explains how, breaking down the tactics that have made Leeds so successful during Bielsa's time. He shows just how they occupy spaces and overload defences; how they press and cut off passing lanes to deny the opposition space to attack in the defensive phase; and more than that, he delves into Bielsa's mindset, to explain what makes the Argentine mastermind tick.

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Book SynopsisChelsea FC have enjoyed unprecedented success in England and Europe since Roman Abramovich arrived in 2003. The men's team has set a phenomenally high benchmark, which the Chelsea women's team now aims to follow. Club director Marina Granovskaia has one overarching mission: to replicate the men's team model and transform Chelsea Women into a European powerhouse - a side to rival the acknowledged queens of Europe, Olympique Lyonnais Feminin. So how has coach Emma Hayes set up her side to achieve superpower status? This book dissects the tactical concepts of the team, breaking down each phase of play, and explores the factors that make them a super-club with a viable chance of winning the elusive UEFA Women's Champions League. From team tactics to in-depth player analysis, Europe's Next Powerhouse? reveals the factors that have put them on a path to be a force in England and Europe for years to come.

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Book SynopsisPhilosophy and Football: The PFFC Story is the extraordinary account of how a team of friends kicking a ball about in Regent's Park was transformed by European travel in the shadow of Brexit. Playing in shirts adorned with the words of Camus, Shankly and Cantona among others, Philosophy Football FC created its own philosophy in opposition to modern football. Its occasional players travelled from London to take part in tournaments in unique venues such as a national football stadium in Rome, a Spanish bullring in Bilbao and Taksim Square in Istanbul. Practising its 'slow foot' philosophy, it exported the idea of a revolutionary and more complex three-sided football. Inspired by European culture, PFFC was transformed from a team that regularly lost heavily to winning three consecutive London league championships. Over 25 years PFFC attracted players from 24 countries and six continents. Its story illustrates the power of football to reach people from all walks of life: to travel, play, eat, drink, win and lose together.

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Book SynopsisGot That Lovin’ Feelin’ is the enthralling story of Nottingham Forest’s emotional return to the Premier League under Steve Cooper in 2022. It charts the promotions, relegations, financial problems and missed opportunities that made Forest’s journey back to the big time such a compelling one. Cooper’s side’s thrilling and unexpected promotion campaign put an end to 23 years outside the top flight. In those lean times, Forest frequently became a byword for decline on the pitch and madness in the boardroom. The book features opinions and insights from those who worked on the pitch, in the dugout and in the corridors of power. It also tells the story of Forest’s first season back in the big time, through the eyes of fans, players and pundits – all the while exploring what it means to be connected to this grand, historic and pioneering club. From Frank Clark’s European dreamers to Cooper’s play-off winners, this is Forest’s roller-coaster ride of a story. Trade Review"Warren Turner's bright red book tells of the Forest journey from Frank Clark to Steve Cooper in order to secure top-flight football again after an absence of 23 years. There's background, backstories and key match reports as viewed 'through the eyes of fans, players and pundits'. In fact, there's a great picture of No.9 Taiwo Awoniyi scoring 'the winner against Arsenal to ensure another Premier League season for Nottingham Forest'. Pictures can speak volumes as do the words - a great, informative book!" -- Mark Watkins * Dare Radio *

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Book SynopsisPacked full of trivia, facts and stats, The Top 10 of Everything England covers every aspect of the Three Lions' long and colourful history in dozens of ranked lists. With a star cast of past and present internationals, the lists include the most inspirational skippers, the most prolific goalscorers, the great managers and the biggest stars in the England Women's team. Among the many memorable moments revisited are England's most iconic World Cup matches, the most celebrated wins against arch-rivals Scotland, the finest goals scored by the likes of Bobby Charlton, Gary Lineker and Wayne Rooney and the most appreciated own goals gifted by the opposition. Additionally, a host of miscellaneous categories rank England's best (and worst!) kits, the funniest fan chants, the most striking and controversial player tattoos and the bizarre incidents on and off the pitch that left supporters bewildered. Fun, informative and thought-provoking, The Top 10 of Everything England is guaranteed to spark lively debate among football fans everywhere.

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Book SynopsisSince 1888, Rangers and Celtic football clubs have been locked into an intense and frequently explosive rivalry: Rangers the product of West Scotland's Protestant establishment, Celtic the team founded to raise money for the Catholic underclass of Glasgow.On 2 January 2010 the two teams met in the Old Firm's New Year Derby, a fixture that had been banned for ten years because of the trouble it brought with it. Richard Wilson puts that game at the centre of a book which delves into the history and widens out to the cultural resonance of the fixture within Scotland. It is a potent mix of close-up observation and big-picture thinking, with insight, understanding and depth.Trade ReviewAn insightful and wonderfully written account . . . Richard Wilson, more than anyone in recent years, has told us why Celtic and Rangers matter and why their adherents have little of which to be ashamed and much of which to be proud. I salute him * * Observer * *A measured and thought-provoking treatise on the legendary rivalry between Scotland's two most popular football clubs * * Scotland on Sunday * *It is an intensity that has frequently scarred Old Firm collisions with the violent and the reprehensible. But the Rangers-Celtic rivalry is so deep in the bones of so many Scots that - amid a football culture transformed beyond recognition by the wholesale importation of foreign players - it effortlessly remains a focus of mass emotion. -- Hugh McIlvanneyThere were times when we might as well have played the first 20 minutes without a ball. The match would commence and the fans would hardly notice. -- Sir Alex Ferguson, former Rangers playerI'd heard a lot about the Old Firm game over the years and of the rivalry that exists between the Celtic and Rangers supporters, but it's only when you live in the city and see it up close that the true extent of the bigotry and hatred hits home. The fans were frothing at the mouth and at each other's throats right through the warm-up. When we marched out to kick off, it REALLY got intense. -- Tony Cascarino, former Celtic player

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Book SynopsisFront Up, Rise Up is the story of Connacht’s remarkable journey to becoming the 2016 Pro12 champions. The story goes inside the dressing-room, takes in their unscheduled, week-long, bonding trek to Siberia and back for a European Challenge Cup game, and all the key twists and turns along the way.It brings us the characters in this Band of Brothers, from the locals such as captain John Muldoon from Portumna to their iconic fans’ favourite Bundee Aki – who like their talismanic coach Pat Lam is a Kiwi from Auckland of Samoan descent – and their Nigerian-born and Dublin-raised match-winner Niyi Adeolokun.The story takes in the province’s troubled professional history, which had them on the brink of extinction as a professional entity in 2003 and led to Connacht and their supporters marching to the IRFU offices in a successful bid to keep them afloat. It covers their dethroning of the champions Glasgow in the Sportsground in Galway and their stunning performance in the final against Leinster in Edinburgh. In more than two decades of professional rugby, there has been no story quite like it.Trade ReviewA great story, brilliantly told. -- Matt Cooper * The Last Word, Today FM *A hell of a yarn, told with precision and élan. -- Malachy Clerkin * Books of the Year, Irish Times *A great, insightful read. * Rugby World *

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Book SynopsisEuro 2016 will forever have a special place in the hearts and memories of Wales football supporters, especially the tens of thousands who travelled to France and filled the stadiums with song, joy and colour as they proudly took their place in the spectacular 'Red Wall'. Bryn Law, author of the acclaimed Zombie Nation Awakes, was one of those passionate fans who fulfilled a life-long dream of following the Wales national team to a major tournament and 'Don't Take Me Home' is his diary of that magical month that gripped the whole nation. From arranging time off work to organising travel, accommodation and the all-important match tickets - as well as trying to explain to his patient and long-suffering family that he couldn't be sure exactly when he'd be back - Bryn perfectly describes the steep, tricky and expensive learning-curve faced by thousands of Welsh fans as he criss-crossed France by plane, car, camper van, tram and bus, desperate not to miss a match whilst enjoying the company of his friends and fellow fans. In 'Don't Take Me Home' Welsh fans can relive every game of the Euro 2016 experience from a supporter's perspective. Everyone has their own favourite memory of the tournament and Bryn lovingly recalls every game on that joyful journey: from the amazing scenes in Bordeaux to the 'chin up' disappointment of Lens; the perfect performance in Toulouse to the Celtic party in Paris; and from the sheer euphoria of Lille to the pride and au revoir in Lyon. Bryn Law's emotional, humorous yet insightful diary explains why Welsh fans - whenever they are asked about their experiences at Euro 2016 - smile, wipe away a tear and say 'It was the best month of my life': 'Don't Take Me Home'.Trade Review'Zombie Nation Awakes' was the story of the journey to France. 'Don't Take Me Home' is a record of the culmination of that epic journey. It tells of the indomitable spirit of the long-suffering football fan, the bond between supporters and the unbridled joy of seeing your team not just winning but surpassing all expectations. Nobody could be better placed or better informed to document and tell the wonderful story.' Barry Horne, from his Preface, 'I've had some great experiences as a player, for club and country, but I'll be a lucky man indeed if anything I ever experience in the future matches the summer of 2016. It was just the most unbelievable and enjoyable few weeks of my life! I'm pretty sure we managed to give Bryn a few good memories, as seen in his story of the greatest summer of all of our lives, enjoy!', Chris Gunter, from his Foreword.Table of ContentsIntroduction, 1. France: Euro 2016 - Group B, 2. Bordeaux: Wales v Slovakia, 3. Lens: England v Wales, 4. Toulouse: Russia v Wales, 5. Paris: Wales v Northern Ireland, 6. Lille: Belgium v Wales, 7. Lyon: Portugal v Wales, Epilogue

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Book SynopsisWidely regarded as the greatest footballer of all time, seven-time Ballon d’Or and six-time Golden Shoe winner, Lionel Messi, enjoyed a record-breaking 17-year career at FC Barcelona during which time he scored more goals, played more games, won more titles and provided more assists than any other player in the Catalan club’s history. Adored by Barça fans, Messi reigned supreme until August 2021, when he made a tearful farewell to a stunned global audience. Messi: The King of Camp Nou is the definitive story of Lionel Messi’s entire Barça career, written by Jason Pettigrove, a football journalist who worked for FC Barcelona during Messi’s final years in Catalonia. Charting Messi’s rise as a hopeful 13-year-old Argentinian boy from Rosario to becoming the best footballer in the world, Pettigrove’s comprehensively researched book features exclusive interviews with key individuals in Messi’s story - team-mates, opponents, managers, agents and fellow journalists - including: Joan Laporta, Lionel Scaloni, Victor Font, Sir Kenny Dalglish, Jamie Carragher, Mike Phelan, Josep Maria Minguella, Horacio Gaggioli, Tony Watt, Santi Padro and Jorge Barraza. From being signed by Barça on a napkin to Champions League glory and becoming FC Barcelona captain, Messi: The King of Camp Nou reveals the inside story of Leo’s remarkable reign at Barça including breaking Pelé's incredible record for most goals scored at one club, how the longed for Copa América title was won and how he, season-on-season, mesmerised the football world.Trade Review'I guarantee this will be the best book on Leo Messi you haven't yet read.' Graham Hunter; 'He was born to play football and it’s on the field where we see the happiest version of Lionel. It’s what he does best and what gives him the most joy.' Lionel Scaloni; 'I don't think any have been better than Lionel Messi.'Sir Kenny Dalglish; 'Messi's the best club footballer of all time.' Jamie Carragher; 'You can fit Pele's best moments into a one-hour video, or you can make a two-hour video for the best of Maradona. With Messi's best, it's a 24-hour long video.' Jorge Barraza; 'Messi makes more correct decisions than anyone on a football field. He doesn't pigeonhole himself into a specific role because his role was to be the difference, and that's what he did at FC Barcelona.' Mike PhelanTable of ContentsForeword by Graham Hunter 1. Rosario to Barcelona 2. Signed on a Napkin 3. Five Teams in One Season 4. First Barca Goal 5. The New Maradona 6. An El Clasico To Remember 7. Olympic Glory 8. 'Tiki-Taka' 9. Ballon D'Or 10. El Clasico Overkill 11. Masterclass v Man Utd 12. 91 Goals in a Calendar Year 13. The Double Treble 14. A World Champion ... Again 15. 500 Up For Barca 16. More Than a Club 17. One Goal From Invincibility 18. Nightmare at Anfield 19. A Sixth Golden Shoe 20. 'Barcagate' and the Burofax 21. Beating Pele's Record 22. Laporta's Promise Epilogue Index Statistics and Record of Achievement

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Book SynopsisThis quiz book covers the fascinating journey of Hibernian Football Club throughout the past 142 years. Offcial club historian Tom Wright has used his comprehensive knowledge of the sport and the team to devise over 600 questions spanning from the early days of the club to the present. This is the perfect book for fans of all ages to learn more about the history of one of Scotland’s greatest football teams.

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Book SynopsisThis is a complete history of the England rugby union team - told by the players themselves. Based on a combination of painstaking research into the early years of the England team through exclusive interviews with a vast array of Test match stars from before the Second World War to the present day, world-renowned rugby writers Stephen Jones and Nick Cain delve to the very heart of the English international rugby union experience, painting a unique and utterly compelling picture of the game in the only words that can truly do so: the players' own. This is the definitive story of English Test match rugby - a story etched in blood, sweat and tears; a story of great joy and heart-breaking sorrow; a story of sacrifice, agony, endeavour and triumph. Behind the Rose lifts the lid on what it is to play for England - the trials and tribulations behind the scenes, the glory, the drama and the honour on the field, and the heart-warming tales of friendship and humour off it. Absorbing and illuminating, this is a must-have for all supporters who have ever dreamed of walking the hallowed corridors of Twickenham as a Test match player, preparing themselves for battle in the changing rooms and then marching out to that field of dreams with the deafening roar of the crowd in their ears and the red rose emblazoned on their chest.Trade Review'A handsome new book ... a historical treasure trove' * Guardian *'a superb book' * ESPN Scrum *'delves to the very heart of what it means to play for England ... a must-have' * Planet Rugby *'A riot of anecdote, inside track and genuine insight' * The Rugby Paper *

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